Mark L. Bennett
Incantations, Incantation Music, Sharin' Shirley, MLB
<3
In 1986 at a notorious night club known as "NRG" in Houston, Texas: The setting for the initiation ritual for one 15 year old clutching a fake ID...
Mark L. Bennett was to begin a life long love affair with the underground electronic music scene. It was here that the MUSIC, and a "intensely psychedelic" intersection with Herme Villichech suddenly appearing arm in arm with two very tall, blond, and strikingly beautiful "hookers" left an indelible first impression. (yes.. "Tattoo"...from the TV show Fantasy Island)! Needless to say, this being the actual reality of the moment illuminated the magical possibilities of an underground club and it's dance-floor. The instance would become a mind-blowing introduction to the extreme possibilities of this new culture and would continue to inspire a devotion to the electronic music underground for the following 25 years !
Simultaneously, the love for playing Bass guitar evolved into an insatiable passion for the rhythms of dance music. Inevitability this passion evolved into the production of "Experimental Techno". The music would become the focus and underlying motivator for all which was to manifest in the future realities. An access to the the dance scene and an abundance of "early" sequencers, and analog gear; which, was prevalent in the early 1990's provided the means to attain a knowledge and a depth of conscious that provided a substance to the mundane experience of being a teenager.
In 1995 a romance was sparked at an event which Carl Cox was headlining. A gal and a shared affinity for making music, mixing, and the EDM scene, would bring about a move to Los Angeles. Carl Cox rocking 3 turntables would prove to be one of the most poignant intersections on the path traveled. Leaving behind a dear family, whom , an unconditional love is still shared, and forsaking the four year long occupation as an overnight "on air" talent and daytime board operator at 101 KLOL fm; which, held the leading market share in one of the nations premier commercial radio markets, proved to be much more difficult dropping out of the last year of classes needed to attain a Mass-communication degree from the University of Houston.
Once in Los Angeles, the kindred spirits who are the souls behind the legendary full moon gathering collective known as Moontribe provided the community; which, would grow into a life long kinship. The collective is responsible for 19 years of legendary desert gatherings under the full moon. It was in the 3rd year of Moontribe; that, the initiation into the collective was realized. The people who are the soul of this family provided the incentive to remain in Los Angeles long after the marriage which inspired the relocation had dissolved. Living and playing music among these brothers and sisters for so many years, Moontribe became nothing less than an extended family. " the kind of people who make you feel good to be around" best describes these relationships. It is simply impossible to convey the influence and growth; which, was inevitable. As a person and as a musician there has not been any whom have inspired the tremendous inspiration to excel at living, loving, and creating. The only comparison to be made is that of the nurturing and love of ones "immediate" family. For many years, the Moontribe sound system was the central feature in the residence which was home to a gaggle of freaks who considered the collective to be a family. This set and setting is what pushed to the mixing to places "above and beyond".
The countless events on the west coast in the mid 90's thru the decade which would follow remain an indelible blur of love and happiness. The deserts, clubs, and warehouses of southern california provided opportunities to, play, dance, and become involved with an incredible community, and realize a shared endearment with many contributors within the west coast's underground. Having enjoyed an integral role in the L.A. underground and being accountable, provided the connections and a means to continue living the dream; thus, ensuring that the focus was based in a sincere love for electronic music. In time, this love would bring opportunities to work in nearly every aspect of the industry.
In 2004, The responsibility of family was the catalyst for an abrupt departure from Southern California. Leaving the community of the L.A. underground was a difficult transition. The difference in the intention of those who now comprised the seemingly alien EDM scene of Houston brought forth feelings of being a "stranger, in a strange land".
The drastic energy shift made the necessity to refocus apparent. Even while still enjoying weekly bookings, the disconnection from those who shared a common vision developed into the inspiration to step back from the normal rituals of performing and participating to focus upon the manifestation of the record label "Heights Music Company". Utilizing the connections made over a decade of living in one of the epicenters of EDM culture, "Heights Music" became an internationally distributed and promoted vinyl record label. The label enjoyed successful releases; which were mastered by "Nilz:" of The Exchange" and distributed domestically , throughout Europe, New Zealand, and beyond. The releases were intentionally comprised of Texas based House music producers: Eddie Spettro, Thomas Sahs, Paul Paredes, and Scott Pace.
In 2009 An opportunity to again be apart of the west coast music scene arose...
Mark L. Bennett resides in Portland, Oregon. The Moontribe collective, the desert gatherings and dance-floors of southern california are still cherished with an unparalleled reverence; however, having been warmly welcomed into the PDX underground by those who create "the magick" within Portland's vibrant scene, and again realizing the grace of a community comprised of dedicated souls who share the intent to perpetuate the evolution of house and techno, a commitment to the N.W. scene was made. The last 3 years giving rise to the manifestation to play for, and dance with, and ultimately become apart of the Community that is the Portland EDM scene. The underground House scene in PDX is something cherished… the music, the people, the intention.. the shared love… a perfect mix.
Mixing and Producing under the Incantation Music moniker, and occasionally using the alias "Sharin' Shirley", M.L.B. has been rocking PDX dance-floors with a soulfully psychedelic mix that blurs the lines of "Deep House and "Soulful Techno". The blessing of consideration to again be asked to play and share billing with the undergrounds well known entities is something which is met with great reverence; however, the real joy comes from the honor of being able to share the community with a dedicated and talented scene.
18 years of mixing and producing House and Techno & 25 years of dancing in the "sweet-spots" has illuminated a profound wisdom:
Never stop dancing &
The MUSIC will set you free.
Magick becomes Reality
when you simply
LIVE IN LOVE !
-=blessings upon your house=-